Problem:
Read my post then classmates response to my post. Reply back to classmate in one brief yet well-developed paragraph using references to explain/support. If appropriate add a relevant question to continue the discussion. Cite and reference in APA 7th edition format:
My post-
Racial identity development is an intricate journey that is affected by a variety of factors, including one's cultural background, beliefs, and personal experiences. Models of racial identity development propose that individuals from the same ethnic group can have different experiences and outcomes, influenced by their specific life histories and social contexts (Sue et al., 2022). As an illustration, Kornienko et al. (2024) note that friendship networks and school socialization significantly affect the ethnic-racial identity of adolescents, suggesting that social environments are key to identity development and how individuals respond to treatment. Furthermore, Smith et al. (2025) show that online experiences can aid in the development of ethnic-racial identity among Black and Latinx adolescents, highlighting the diversity in identity experiences within these communities. As a result, counselors need to modify their methods to meet the different needs and stages of identity development of clients from the same ethnic background (Teran et al., 2024). By understanding how heritage, socialization, and acculturative experiences affect treatment effectiveness, practitioners can promote better therapeutic outcomes for a diverse range of clients (CACREP, 2024). Need Assignment Help?
References:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. (2024). CACREP 2023 annual report.
Kornienko, O., Umaña-Taylor, A. J., Hernández, M. M., & Ha, T. (2024). Friendship network and school socialization correlates of adolescent ethnic-racial identity development. Journal of youth and adolescence, 53(11), 2551-2571.
Smith, N. A., Camacho-Thompson, D. E., & Tynes, B. M. (2025). Constructed online experiences facilitate ethnic-racial identity development among Black and Latinx adolescents. Applied Developmental Science, 29(3), 220-236.
Sue, D. W., Sue, D., Neville, H. A., & Smith, L. (2022). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (9th ed.). Wiley & Sons.
Teran, M., Le, T., Austin, D., & Shin, R. (2024). Therapist cultural humility, Black lesbian, gay, or bisexual centrality, client satisfaction with therapist, and future utilization of counseling services among Black lesbian, gay, or bisexual adults. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. Advance online publication.
Classmates Response:
Great point about racial identity development not being a "one size fits all" situation, even within the same ethnicity. The connected between both the online and offline world as spaces where identity is formed reminded me of my students and what I see in my classroom. Friend groups, classroom environment, and social media groups all play a role in how they identify themselves and how they connect to their culture. This can be both negative and positive.
Your post reminded me that counselors need to be flexible and attuned to where a client is on their own identity journey. Two clients with similar cultural backgrounds may have very different needs, depending on their socialization processes or level of cultural identification. Cultural humility is crucial in building trust and to shifting our practice so that clients do feel heard and noticed (Teran et al., 2024).
It is essential that counselors learn not just about the different cultural groups, but also pay close attention to the individual story of each client. It is that balance of empathy and being open minded that ultimately makes progress in therapy possible. What can you counselors do to recognize and meet a client where they are in their racial identity development?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Best wishes,
Resources:
Teran, M., Le, T., Austin, D., & Shin, R. (2024). Therapist cultural humility, Black lesbian, gay, or bisexual centrality, client satisfaction with therapist, and future utilization of counseling services among Black lesbian, gay, or bisexual adults. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. Advance online publication.